[Godotology]

oh thanks.
so what is the difference, does it speed up for computer, gives you more memory or what? ive heard about the santa rosa coming out but didnt really know what it was.
so should all the new notebooks have this when it releases?

It's starting to be released. but most of it will come during Summer

some differences
Core 2 Duo = usually 1.66ghz 667mhz fsb to 2.33ghz 667 fsb
Santa Rosa (Centrino Pro) starts at 1.8ghz 800mhz fsb to 2.4ghz 800mhz fsb

Core 2 Duo = directx 9 video cards for those wanting dedicated, GMA 950 for integrated
Santa Rosa = directx 10 card, Intel xpress 3100 for integrated (comparable to ATi 9700 from a few years ago)

NAND Flash for some models

also, in general, higher RAM and HD size will be standard
for example last year 100gb HD was standard, maybe now it'll be 120 or even 200gb for the same price.

Hey Range,

I'm looking for a laptop around 15"... My price range is maybe up to $2500? I want something light and easy to carry around (for a 15" ^^;;)... And if the color was white that'd be even cooler >_<

Use:
- Downloading and watching videos +_+;
- Playing games (nothing hardcore that needs like over 2.0ghz processing speed)
- Basic school functions (writing lab reports, etc)

I use these programs:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Office
- and more.

Thank you ^o^

15" is kinda big for most people
there's very few 15" standard ratio laptops, but ALOT of 15.4" widescreen ones
they are around 6-7 lbs, with two exceptions.. the Macbook Pro and Sony FZ which are 5.5.
most would consider those to be heavy, even the lighter MBP and FZ.

i think you should go down to 13" or 14". better yet, go to a store and see what screen size you like best, then I can tell you a few models.

your price range will give you MANY options, and I think if you are comfortable spending that much, that you should buy higher end laptops instead of budget models or cheaply built ones.

i.e
instead of Dell Inspirons which are Dell's worst built model, the Latitude and XPS would be better as they are built better
instead of Macbook (which is all plastic and heavy, but very thin in its class), the Macbook pro (although it is larger, but better built)
instead of Asus A or F series, Asus W and V series
instead of Lenovo, you go for Lenovo thinkpad.

they will last far longer, especially the hinge and screen bezel (some of the first to go after owning a laptop for a long time)

I somewhat think thats probably why I don't like macs much because of that impression I get from apples.

In terms of making recommendations I don't have much to say. I can tell you that I although IBM laptops look freakishly boring, I love them and they are wonderfully durable. Sonys seem to have a reasonable reputation. One thing that you can consider is either a laptop with a magnesium body *drools* or business grade laptops. They usually dont look as shiny and flashy but the business line of most laptop companies are built to be durable. how much do you abuse them? You can purchase a panasonic toughbook those things are expensive and heavy but most are designed to be impact/fall resistant and I think some are water resistant

As for the specs, find something you like and post it here for translation if you need it ok?

I like macs, and would get them if I was into Mac OS and wanted simplicity..
but since I still prefer Windows and, more importantly, like to upgrade my laptop, I probably won't buy a Mac any time soon.

The way they are built, is very difficult to upgrade w/o ruining your warranty. All access to the Hard drive, ram, etc are difficult to reach. They also really cram things in there to get their notebooks that thin.

I recently just bought a thinkpad (using the new Centrino Pro processor) as there is that EPP coupon floating out there lol. i wasnt intending to buy a new notebook so soon but the deal was too good to pass up. for a high end built laptop (with titanium encasing, shock protected hard drive, dedicated video, etc) I ended up paying the price of those cheaper models you see on sale

[erure]

Okay so I'm looking for a laptop that's around 13" to 15.4"? And I'm looking at a lot of different laptops but I don't know which to choose +_+;; I've been looking for a white laptop but I don't want a macbook... +_+;;;

[Godotology]

Okay so I'm looking for a laptop that's around 13" to 15.4"? And I'm looking at a lot of different laptops but I don't know which to choose +_+;; I've been looking for a white laptop but I don't want a macbook... +_+;;;

like I said before, you should really take a look at those screen sizes because there's a big difference in weight.

right now there are very few 13.3" laptops, just the Macbook, Asus z35f and W7j, Sony SZ, and some unknown models from Uniwill and ECS that you probably won't find. However there will be more by the end of summer when companies release their newer models.

I've reviewed the W7j and compared it to the Macbook in one of my reviews at NBR.
there are a number of alternatives to the macbook, the question really is what size you want, which can be reflected in how often do you plan on being mobile. you probably don't want to carry a 15.4" laptop often as it can be heavy for some.

[erure]

like I said before, you should really take a look at those screen sizes because there's a big difference in weight.

right now there are very few 13.3" laptops, just the Macbook, Asus z35f and W7j, Sony SZ, and some unknown models from Uniwill and ECS that you probably won't find. However there will be more by the end of summer when companies release their newer models.

I've reviewed the W7j and compared it to the Macbook in one of my reviews at NBR.
there are a number of alternatives to the macbook, the question really is what size you want, which can be reflected in how often do you plan on being mobile. you probably don't want to carry a 15.4" laptop often as it can be heavy for some.

To be honest I don't really carry around my laptop that much. I guess since I saw people carrying around 15.4" laptops and stuff it wouldn't be that bad. But I really am open to pretty much anything. I've been more focused on the design than the functions (bad I know T_T)... I'm looking hard for a white laptop but I can't find any except the macbook which I don't want because I prefer pc's... ;_;

[Volts]

^you might wanna check the Asus W7J

[erure]

THANK YOU! I love it... I just need to find a place where I can buy it O_O

[graceyoon]

^ have u seen the sony vaio? they come in white too..

i was gonna get the sony vaio but not too fond of the bloatware.. i don't need a big media system, making dvds or whatnot, altho perhaps that may be of preference to u?

[erure]

^ have u seen the sony vaio? they come in white too..

i was gonna get the sony vaio but not too fond of the bloatware.. i don't need a big media system, making dvds or whatnot, altho perhaps that may be of preference to u?

Sony was the first thing I looked at. I wanted the FZ but it's in silver. The only white laptop from Sony that I really like is the TX but it's way too small.

[yongwonhi]

Would it make much of a difference if I bought a laptop now as opposed to next year, or in a few months?
I want to use a laptop when I go on vacation for a looong time over the summer, but if I get it now, I'm going to be bringing this laptop with me to college when I graduate. So, uh... I dunno if I should just get one now or wait a year?

[Godotology]

THANK YOU! I love it... I just need to find a place where I can buy it O_O

if you live in the US, you will NOT find a white W7j, they are all black, in fact I have one laying in the room next to me.
In addition, I'd wait a little longer as it will be refreshed as the W7S, with the new Centrino Pro chip. For a 13.3" laptop, it is thick. If you don't need the dedicated video it has, then you'll only end up with a well built, but hot, fat, battery draining laptop whose capabilities you don't need.

As far as white notebooks go, there's not too many. The Sony FZ, their newest 15.4", is a light silver and they have an option for a white keyboard instead of a black one. that one is the closest I guess. For a sony, it has a nice keyboard and much better build than its predecessor the FE series. But like I said, "For a Sony", you will either love or hate their keyboards as they tend to have a much different style of keys than other brands.

There's also MSI notebooks, they have a 12" white one too but I suggest against MSI as I've seen their support service deteriorate over the years.

Personally I think you should stick to 14" or 15.4" ranges, and if possible, wait until August to buy when more models are released (Dell, and some others have yet to release their newest line up) and prices will drop.

Would it make much of a difference if I bought a laptop now as opposed to next year, or in a few months?
I want to use a laptop when I go on vacation for a looong time over the summer, but if I get it now, I'm going to be bringing this laptop with me to college when I graduate. So, uh... I dunno if I should just get one now or wait a year?

yes it would make a difference because right now Core 2 Duo is being phased out for Centrino Pro. Get a laptop when you need it most as technology is always moving ahead.

[YSK]

will centrino pro cost more?

[erure]

I ended up cheapening out for a vaio c series... It's a little thick but I really like it

[YSK]

I was looking into the Dell Inspiron 6400. THis specific package offered on their site is 999 canadian b4 taxes. Specs are 1.73 Core 2 Duo 2 MB Cache, X1400 gfx card, 2gb ram, 120 gb harddrives, 15.4 inch screen, Vista, .... i was really leaning towards this, cuz im on a budget, but i was wondering if i should wait for something better to come out, or shud i take this while i can? I can only wait about 2 months, as i start university in that time, and will need the laptop then. Also my budget is around 1100 bux, including taxes an whatever, i figure anything new within a 2 month time frame will push over that amount

[Loveee]

i got a question but i don't know if it belongs here!
but I have been wanting the macbook pro the 2.16 ghz one and I am going to major in graphic design, but I don't know where I am branching off from that. I am interested in going into the field of creating video games and such.
now, that I have the money to by the pro, I just don't feel like spending it! haha lol.
I know sony vaio is pretty good graphic wise the the pro is made for graphic design... but I looked up the HP Pavilion 9000t is kinda the same as the pro but it have the DVD driver, so I was wondering if anyone can help me. what is the better choice for the money??

[milk tea!]

o_o okay I read a couple pages back, and I suppose to should hold out until August for a new laptop?

I was looking around Fry's and my dad and I decided on: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...p;CMP=OTC-C173T

HP Pavilion dv2320us

but obviously we didn't purchase it yet and decided to look around the internet. Unfortunately there are no reviews = _ =+ ?
There's a $50.00 rebate which will end up costing ~$1100 with state tax. There was another laptop with similar specs but we thought the dv2320us might be better since it had more memory and ddr memory for $100 more.

Is it a good deal? or wait until August?

[dann]

o_o okay I read a couple pages back, and I suppose to should hold out until August for a new laptop?

I was looking around Fry's and my dad and I decided on: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...p;CMP=OTC-C173T

HP Pavilion dv2320us

but obviously we didn't purchase it yet and decided to look around the internet. Unfortunately there are no reviews = _ =+ ?
There's a $50.00 rebate which will end up costing ~$1100 with state tax. There was another laptop with similar specs but we thought the dv2320us might be better since it had more memory and ddr memory for $100 more.

Is it a good deal? or wait until August?

wait till august.

[Godotology]

will centrino pro cost more?

no, while some models will cost more (simply because its newer).. so far.. a new Centrino Pro costs quite a bit less than when Core 2 Duo or Core Duo first came out.

I highly suggest to ANYONE looking for a laptop, to NOT BUY anything that is not Centrino Pro. You're spending at least a thousand dollars on a new laptop, might as well get something new.

i got a question but i don't know if it belongs here!
but I have been wanting the macbook pro the 2.16 ghz one and I am going to major in graphic design, but I don't know where I am branching off from that. I am interested in going into the field of creating video games and such.
now, that I have the money to by the pro, I just don't feel like spending it! haha lol.
I know sony vaio is pretty good graphic wise the the pro is made for graphic design... but I looked up the HP Pavilion 9000t is kinda the same as the pro but it have the DVD driver, so I was wondering if anyone can help me. what is the better choice for the money??

brands aren't good for graphic designs, its whats in them that matters. different brands have different laptops that appeal to different types of people. you should start studying about video cards (GPUs) and see which one suits you best, and then narrow down what laptop you want. In general, you won't find video cards in laptops under 13.3" size.

o_o okay I read a couple pages back, and I suppose to should hold out until August for a new laptop?

I was looking around Fry's and my dad and I decided on: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...p;CMP=OTC-C173T

HP Pavilion dv2320us

but obviously we didn't purchase it yet and decided to look around the internet. Unfortunately there are no reviews = _ =+ ?
There's a $50.00 rebate which will end up costing ~$1100 with state tax. There was another laptop with similar specs but we thought the dv2320us might be better since it had more memory and ddr memory for $100 more.

Is it a good deal? or wait until August?

As Dann says, just wait. don't buy a laptop until you really need it. By August, more centrino pro laptops will be available.
buying now will only waste your money as you'll get something with old technology that will become outdated in a few weeks.

I ended up cheapening out for a vaio c series... It's a little thick but I really like it

I strongly feel you should've waited for more Centrino Pro models to come out.. especially since last weekend, the brand new Sony FZ (with a white keyboard) was going for $1199 at circuit city. One of Sony's thinnest and lightest 15.4" model using the new Centrino Pro CPU, 2gb of ram and a 200gb Hard drive.

although the C series is quite nice, I like the keyboard on that one a bit more than on the SZ.

[SeoulSpirit]

ive been looking into a new laptop lately and ive been thinking bout the asus g1s-a1 because it is a trusted brand and has good specs like the upgraded santa rosta processors and nvidiao 8600 mobile 256 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16834220182 but its pretty expensive.

i was also thinking about buying a comp off of powernotebooks.com cuz i have an extra windows license.

i was thinking about this notebook http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/j10-15.php with the upgraded graphics card(512 mg 8600), 2.2ghz processor(santa rosta), 2 gigs ram, 100 gig sata 300 hard, with the integrated wireless and bluetooth

asus comes out to be around 1920 with shipping and powernotebooks 1740 with shipping..

you think its worth it to buy it ( i want to get it before i leave during summer) or should i wait...?

[p!nk]

can anyone help me decide?

Option 1
Intel® Core™ Duo T2050
1.60GHz, 2Mb, 533MHz
1.0Gb DDR2 667MHz
60Gb SATA
DVD RW (DVD Writer)
14.1” WXGA
ATI Radeon X200m—Hybrid
Wi-Fi G / 56Kb


Option 2
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core
T2060 (1.60GHz, 1Mb L2, 533MHz FSB)
Intel® 945GM chipset
Intel® GMA 950 – 224Mb
802.11BG wireless LAN
1.0Gb DDR2-533MHz
80Gb Mobile HDD SATA
13.3” Glare WXGA-Screen / camera
DVD-RW
(Supports DVD RAM)
10-100-1000Mbps Gigabit LAN
56Kb modem

what does ATI x200m HYBRID mean? will it still get memory from ram?

[Godotology]

ive been looking into a new laptop lately and ive been thinking bout the asus g1s-a1 because it is a trusted brand and has good specs like the upgraded santa rosta processors and nvidiao 8600 mobile 256 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16834220182 but its pretty expensive.

i was also thinking about buying a comp off of powernotebooks.com cuz i have an extra windows license.

i was thinking about this notebook http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/j10-15.php with the upgraded graphics card(512 mg 8600), 2.2ghz processor(santa rosta), 2 gigs ram, 100 gig sata 300 hard, with the integrated wireless and bluetooth

asus comes out to be around 1920 with shipping and powernotebooks 1740 with shipping..

you think its worth it to buy it ( i want to get it before i leave during summer) or should i wait...?

those are some two good choices!
right now, no one is sure about what card the Compal IFL 90 (on which the Power notebook model is based on), but its highly believed to be the same Nvidia 8600m GT (GT being the best 8600 version out of the 3 types Nvidia released this year).
I've tried the G1 before, nice machine, very flashy...

but.. part of me would never consider it because the chassis is one of Asus' oldest one, dating from the Pentium IV era.. all they did was replace some of the panelling with fancy brushed aluminum and pseudo carbon fiber to give it new life.. but it retains the same thickness and bulkiness of a generation of laptops from 3-4 years ago. I also find it a bit too flashy.

like wise some may find the Powernotebook model, too bland since its very conservative looking. Either way both have good specs. The G1 will probably have more types of ports you will need to check to see whether they are ports you need or not (i.e DVI). I personally lean towards the power note book model.

can anyone help me decide?

Option 1
Intel® Core™ Duo T2050
1.60GHz, 2Mb, 533MHz
1.0Gb DDR2 667MHz
60Gb SATA
DVD RW (DVD Writer)
14.1” WXGA
ATI Radeon X200m—Hybrid
Wi-Fi G / 56Kb
Option 2
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core
T2060 (1.60GHz, 1Mb L2, 533MHz FSB)
Intel® 945GM chipset
Intel® GMA 950 – 224Mb
802.11BG wireless LAN
1.0Gb DDR2-533MHz
80Gb Mobile HDD SATA
13.3” Glare WXGA-Screen / camera
DVD-RW
(Supports DVD RAM)
10-100-1000Mbps Gigabit LAN
56Kb modem

what does ATI x200m HYBRID mean? will it still get memory from ram?

Yes, its still an integrated card. I also hope that both notebooks are cheap because they're both 2 generations old.